Intensive Workshop Week with HEPIA Geneva – Exploring Vienna’s Urban Future
Intensive Workshop Week with HEPIA Geneva – Exploring Vienna’s Urban Future
From February 24 to 28, we had the pleasure of welcoming architecture students from HEPIA Geneva for a week-long, hands-on workshop in Vienna. This collaborative exchange focused on urban transformation, sustainable architecture, and the challenges of densification within the existing city fabric.
The week started with a series of presentations introducing the exercise and the universities involved. Students then embarked on an excursion through “Red Vienna”, exploring historic examples of social housing, including Amalienbad, Karl-Marx-Hof, and the Ringstraße des Proletariats.
Over the following days, students worked intensively on site analyses at Hugo-Breitner-Hof, Oskar-Helmer-Hof, Per-Albin-Hansson-Siedlung, and Grossfeldsiedlung, studying their potential for future urban transformation. Their research was enriched by visits to the Architekturzentrum Wien and District 1, providing additional context on Vienna’s architectural evolution.
The highlight of the week was Friday’s final presentations, where teams showcased their visions for Vienna 2050, addressing challenges such as climate resilience, social cohesion, and the reimagining of post-war housing estates. These discussions provided valuable insights into how existing urban structures can be adapted for a more livable and sustainable future.
A huge thank you to all participants for their dedication, creativity, and inspiring contributions! This exchange was a fantastic opportunity for cross-cultural learning, and we look forward to future collaborations!
